Yolanda "Princess" Whitworth

Eulogy for Yolanda Meade-Whitworth – "Princess"

Good afternoon, family and friends. We are gathered here today to celebrate the beautiful life and lasting legacy of our beloved Yolanda Meade-Whitworth-known to so many of us as "Princess." While our hearts are heavy, we are reminded of God's promises that comfort us in times of sorrow. "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." (Psalm 34:18).

On a warm and still October day in 1950, Yolanda was born in Rainbow City, Panama Canal Zone, to her loving parents, Ivy Wilhelmina Johnson Meade and Roy Seymour Meade. She was their first baby girl, a radiant blessing of joy and light.

From her earliest days, Yolanda carried a joyful spirit that touched all who knew her. She loved to create-especially in the kitchen. Many of us will always remember her delicious carimanola and the cakes she baked so beautifully. Just as special were the memories of simply watching her bake-seeing her joy as she poured love into everything she made. She delighted in flavorful foods, in dancing, and in the beauty of celebrating life.

Yolanda also had a gift for seeing and sharing beauty. As an avid photographer, she captured the world with an extraordinary eye-always finding the light, the detail, and the sacredness in everyday life. And Yolanda herself radiated that same light. She was so photogenic, so full of grace, that sometimes it seemed she carried a glow around her.

A woman of style, a true fashionista, she lived boldly, beautifully, and with no regrets. Her love for travel took her across the world, sprinkling joy and love everywhere she went. Yet through all of her journeys, her faith remained her constant anchor. She lived with a giving heart and a deep love for the Lord, embodying the scripture she cherished: "For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I with them." (Matthew 18:20).

She proudly served her country as an Army veteran and Federal Government employee, dedicating herself with honor, service, and sacrifice. But her greatest joy was her family. She deeply loved her son, Arif, her daughter-in-law, Sheronda, and her grandson, Maximus, who brought her immeasurable happiness. She cherished her siblings, nieces, nephews, and her great-nieces and nephews-always embracing her family with compassion, laughter, and love.

Her favorite color was white, a reflection of the purity, grace, and peace she carried. She loved the bougainvillea plant, vibrant and resilient-just like her.

On September 9, 2025, Yolanda peacefully transitioned from this life to eternal rest, surrounded by love. And while we grieve her passing, we find hope in the promises of God's Word:

"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." (Revelation 21:4)

"Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love." (Lamentations 3:32)

"For God so loved the world that He gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him may not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16)

We take comfort in knowing Yolanda is now clothed in white, embraced in the eternal love of her Savior, free from pain, free from sorrow, resting in His presence.

As we honor her life, may we carry forward her lessons: to live joyfully, to love abundantly, to serve faithfully, and to walk always with God.

In closing, we lift our voices together in The Lord's Prayer and the hymn Amazing Grace, remembering Yolanda's joy, her beauty, and her eternal place in God's Kingdom.

We love you, Princess. Until we meet again.

A Poem......

A Poem for Yolanda – Our "Princess"

You walked with the Lord, His light was your song,

In faith and in love, you carried us along.

Your joy was a blessing, your spirit a flame,

You lived for His glory, you honored His name.

Now heaven's gates open, His arms draw you near,

No sorrow, no sickness, no pain and no fear.

In Christ's loving promise, your soul finds its rest,

Forever at peace, in the home of the blessed.

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Thank you, Sabrina